The First Lady of Brazil, Janja Lula da Silva, who is visiting Korea with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, had a dinner with Baek Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea. According to a video released by Ms. Janja on social media on the 23rd, they enjoyed a dinner on the 21st at the restaurant of chef David Lee, who is known for his appearances on Netflix’s cooking show “Chef in Black & White” and his background in a New York Michelin restaurant. The dinner reportedly took place at the request of Ms. Janja.
CEO Baek Jong-won mentioned that BTS’s Jin wanted to join but couldn’t, expressing his regret. Instead, he presented signed merchandise as a gift on Jin’s behalf. Baek expressed his happiness and honor meeting Janja, noting his admiration for her efforts to support the disadvantaged.
Janja and Baek reportedly discussed the globalization of Korean cuisine based on K-sauces and the expansion of Korean food in Brazil. During the dinner, Janja emphasized “cultural diplomacy led by the private sector” and officially invited Baek to Brazil in October, which he accepted enthusiastically. She also thanked Baek and Jin in her video hashtags, saying, “We await you in Brazil.”
The drink presented by Baek was “Iginn,” for which BTS’s Jin serves as an ambassador.
On the 23rd, the Brazilian presidential couple attended an official dinner at the Blue House with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and his spouse. Over 300 people participated in the official welcome ceremony, and chef Yoo Yong-wook, featured on Netflix’s “Chef in Black & White 2,” showcased barbecue dishes. The state dinner included about Brazilian culture, featuring cocktails made from the national spirit, cachaça, and performances with barbecue inspired by Brazilian kebabs, alongside dishes like appetizers with Brazilian mango and seasonal East Sea crabs, and desserts incorporating Korean traditional drinks and Brazilian acai berry jellies.
The dinner drew attention with the presence of major corporate leaders such as Kim Hong-guk, chairman of Harim Group, and Baek Jong-won, highlighting the potential for expanding K-food in Brazil, a long-time interest of Janja. Notably, Janja arrived in Korea a day before the President, on the 21st, to have a private dinner with Baek, during which she extended her invitation to Brazil.